Which is a post-operative thoracic surgery therapy to prevent atelectasis?

• A. Hyperinflation therapy
• B. Strict bed rest
• C. High-dose steroids
• D. Fluid restriction

Answer: (B)

Preventing atelectasis after thoracic surgery hinges on keeping lung tissue expanded so alveoli stay open and ventilation remains efficient. The therapy that best achieves this is one that increases lung volumes and recruits collapsed airways, delivering a larger inspiratory fill to inflating the lungs. Hyperinflation therapy does this by providing positive pressure and encouraging deep breaths, using devices that promote sustained maximal inspiration or larger tidal volumes. This expanded lung volume helps re-expand airless regions and improves ventilation and oxygenation.

Strict bed rest does the opposite: remaining inactive limits chest wall movement and shallow breathing, which promotes airway collapse. High-dose steroids do not directly prevent alveolar collapse and carry other risks, while fluid restriction lacks a mechanism to recruit atelactatic lung tissue. In short, therapies that expand the lungs and recruit alveoli are the most effective strategy to prevent postoperative atelectasis.